Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the growth of the tissue that normally lines the uterus outside the uterus.
Research has shown that endometriosis patients have a poor quality of sleep, which may be attributed to the symptoms associated with the condition such as pain, discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, hot flashes, excessive sweating, insomnia, frequent urination, and migraines.
Pain and discomfort
Pain associated with endometriosis can negatively affect the quality of sleep. Endometrial tissue abnormally located outside the uterus responds to hormones and tries to shed during the monthly cycle, resulting in the inflammation of the surrounding tissues causing pain. Pain associated with endometriosis is made worse by fatigue.
Fatigue
Patients with endometriosis may feel constantly tired or physically exhausted but not sleepy.
Hot flashes
Due to the hormonal imbalance caused by endometriosis, patients may experience excessive sweating, heart palpitations, or hot flashes that can disrupt sleep.
Anxiety
Endometriosis may affect the social relationships, sexual life, and mental health of patients, causing psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. This can have a negative effect on the quality of sleep.
Insomnia
Pain, discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms result in difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Frequent urination
When the endometrial tissue crowds the urinary bladder and surrounding areas, patients may experience urinary urgency that may affect peaceful sleep.
Migraines
Research has shown that patients with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing migraines, which may significantly disrupt sleep.
Management
Managing the symptoms of endometriosis may improve sleep. Doctors recommend exercising regularly during the day to help with better sleep at night.
Eating less sugar, fried foods, and wheat may help reduce pain during the night and therefore improve sleep. Since caffeine and alcohol disturb normal sleep, they should also be avoided. Consuming the last meal of the day at least two to three hours before sleeping is also recommended.
Establishing a sleep routine to adjust the body to a natural sleep pattern can also help. The patient should relax before sleep using methods such as breathing exercises, meditation, or a warm bath.
The environment in the bedroom should be sleep-friendly; it should be dark, quiet, and comfortable.
Patients can also use sleep-promoting herbal remedies such as drinking chamomile tea before bed or using a pillow infused with lavender oil.
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